Now at the beginning of my term as dean, I find myself so thankful as I think about the past two years. I was asked to be sub-dean near the beginning of the pandemic, and though there were challenges, the executive committee continued to give time, imagination, and creativity to bring events of the highest quality to our members, all via Zoom meeting that first year. As well, our presenters were willing to dive into the unfamiliar – after all, none of us were taught videography and broadcasting – to create stellar programs well suited to the novel technology. During the transition to in-person gatherings, everyone kept at it, for a fruitful and engaging two years. A huge thank-you to all: executive committee, presenters, and especially Sheila Bristow, for her positive, levelheaded leadership as Dean!

Looking ahead, the convention is very soon to begin. It is sure to be a wonderful week of concerts, workshops, and the chance to get reacquainted with colleagues near and far. I’m particularly interested in the  convention’s focus, “The Well Tempered Future” given that Tim and I have made church music our life’s work – so many decades – and now our son, Isaac, is following the same path. The landscape is different now, with both opportunity and promise, and it is so encouraging to watch the next generation, in their creativity and initiative, find their way!

In closing, I would like to recognize those on our executive committee who have completed their terms: Sheila Bristow, who will pass the baton and continue as member at large, and Satya Jaech and David Dahl, who both completed their terms as member at large and will remain actively involved in chapter events. I am delighted to introduce new executive board members Wyatt Smith as sub dean, and Jan Regier as member at large. Welcome, and thank you for stepping up!

Cheers,

Cheryl

This is my final column after serving two years as Dean and two years as Sub Dean. I had an inkling things might not be a cakewalk four years ago, when the newly-elected Dean moved out of the state–but that of course was nothing compared to the pandemic! Many thanks to Cheryl Drewes for facilitating online programming, and to those folks who created it. Helping the chapter continue in education and connection during the shutdown was a labor of love. I look forward to remaining on the board for one more term, and cheering on Cheryl and Wyatt Smith as the new Dean/Sub Dean team. Please give them all your support as well!

As I’m writing this I am also creating a packing list for a LONG overdue vacation. I hope that you have wonderful summer plans as well, but before digging out the luggage may I suggest a quick checklist of guild-related matters?

• Make sure you have this Monday’s picnic on your calendar!
• If you’re tidying your desk, console, music files (piles!), etc–jot down any ideas you’d like to share with the board regarding future programming/events.
• I hope you already have this year’s National Convention in your book (July 3-7). Monday, July 4, is the “Tacoma Day”, and there are events scheduled from 9 AM to 4 PM at Christ Church, Pacific Lutheran University,Trinity Lutheran, and the University of Puget Sound. The current “day registration” rate for July 4 is $200 for regular AGO members; that day rate would of course also include the evening activities in Seattle (a cocktail hour concert with Carol Williams, and a theater organ concert/silent movie at the Paramount with Tedde Gibson). The convention steering committee is also seeking volunteers to help host the Tacoma events–if you’d like to lend a hand, let me know and I’ll get you connected up.

Hope to see you Monday!
Sheila

National Convention schedule

Yesterday I had the pleasure of joining fellow chapter members for an organ tour in Seattle. It was fascinating to hear four wonderful trackers in four very different rooms, played by a number of organists! I also appreciated getting info on a lot of organ building details. Many thanks to David Dahl for his organizing efforts, and to Kyle Haugen, Tim Drewes, and Tom Clark for hosting at their respective churches.

As the program year winds to a close, stay tuned for news of a closing social event–and also watch your inbox for a slate of officers. As always, if you have ideas or suggestions for chapter events, please pass them along to any board member (I’ll continue to serve as past dean, so you can certainly send them to me). Happy spring!

Sheila

As the pandemic wanes I’ve celebrated every little “new” reason to leave the house: in-person rehearsals! Libraries! Trader Joe’s without a line! And, finally, concerts. During March I’ve managed to attend Seattle Opera–twice (a full production and an artist recital)–plus a Seattle Symphony concert. This week I also made it to the Tacoma Art Museum (FYI free every Thursday night). The pandemic has fostered an incredible flourishing of art experiences and education available online, but that is not a replacement for experiencing art in the physical world.

Our March meeting featured lovely performances on the beautiful instruments at Spanaway Lutheran, plus an opportunity to chat with fellow guild members over a glass of wine. I am so grateful to all the folks who helped out with planning, playing, and hosting–particularly Cheryl Drewes. Next month’s meeting will feature an organ crawl in Seattle on Saturday, April 30th. Please watch the website and your inbox for details!

Dear chapter members,

You’ll receive this on “Fat Tuesday”, the day before Lent begins. I grew up in a non-liturgical church, and despite decades of service in multiple denominations, I’m still not deeply embedded with the church year. While I recognize that my job is to help parishioners enter into a season of deepening devotion, I am personally quite distracted by preparations for Easter and a finally-full spring concert season! However, there is certainly value in trying to prioritize simplicity and quiet as means for gradual transformation.

Another aspect of the season lies in its etymological roots, with “Lent” being derived from “spring season”, or the lengthening of days. Sowing is part of that season, and part of transformation. On a musical level, I’m trying to sow seeds for the future through practice, education, and professional connections. The AGO can help with all of those things, and I hope to see you at our March celebration of Franck at Spanaway Lutheran! There is also literal sowing to do be done, and I intend to put more time into what my family calls “yardening”. This year’s crop: sunflowers.